2011 NBA Lockout Simulation scores and results for the remainder of the 2011-12 season

2011 NBA Lockout Sim Features

Each Wednesday until the beginning of the NBA's abbreviated season, WhatIfSports.com's NBA simulation engine will simulate the previous week's unplayed games, using the NBA's actual 2011-2012 pre-lockout schedule. The NBA simulation includes cumulative standings updated each week, a game of the week, a player of the week and statistical leaders.

The statistical inputs to the NBA simulations are based upon analysis of each team's roster, depth charts and statistically-based player rankings. Rosters reflect all transactions prior to the lockout and rookies are based on players of statistical equivalence.

Christmas Day marks both the beginning of the long-awaited 2011-12 NBA season and the conclusion of WhatIfSports.com's NBA lockout simulation. We'll complete the simulation by "playing" the remainder of the NBA's season, providing final standings and awards. But that's not all...

We've added a wrinkle.

In light of recent blockbuster acquisitions in the NBA's abbreviated offseason, we've decided to tinker with our rosters by incorporating some of the bigger player movements. Curious how much better the Los Angeles Clippers will be with the addition of Chris Paul? Consider this a litmus test. Our final simulation is highlighted by the following transactions:

Transactions

Los Angeles Clippers
Before: 10-16 (0.385)
After: 37-19 (0.661)

Paul proved to be every bit the boon the Clippers franchise had hoped for in trading Gordon, Aminu, Kamen and a draft pick for his services. The additional signings of Billups and Butler launched the Clippers into the NBA's upper echelon.

New Orleans Hornets
Before: 11-11 (0.500)
After: 25-35 (0.417)

Although the Hornets received some solid pieces in the Paul trade, including a future star in Gordon, it was not enough to prevent a slide in wins. Lost in Paul's exit was the departure of West, whom the Hornets received no compensation for.

New York Knicks
Before: 13-12 (0.520)
After: 38-19 (0.667)

In acquiring Chandler, the Knicks improved upon two of their biggest weaknesses, defense and rebounding. Although the loss of Billups left some ambiguity at the point, Davis proved a capable substitute.

Dallas Mavericks
Before: 16-9 (0.640)
After: 35-22 (0.614)

The Mavericks lucked out in finding a replacement for departed center Chandler when Odom suddenly became available. However, the team's defense took a hit, allowing the seventh-most points in the league.

Indiana Pacers
Before: 13-13 (0.500)
After: 31-25 (0.554)

The already tough-minded Pacers found a player that fit their mold perfectly in West. The power forward's scoring took a bit of a dip, dropping from 20.8 points per game with the Hornets to 17.4 points per game with the Pacers, but his rebounding improved from 8.0 boards per game to 9.4 with his new playoff-bound squad.

Boston Celtics
Before: 13-9 (0.591)
After: 30-30 (0.500)

Although Green has appeared somewhat out of place since arriving in Boston last season, he is an important part of the Celtics' rotation, if for no other reason than the lack of a suitable replacement. Boston saw its win percentage dip after losing Green, who will miss the 2011-12 season with a heart condition.

Portland Trail Blazers
Before: 17-7 (0.708)
After: 39-19 (0.672)

The Trail Blazers, already off to a hot start, were not slowed down with the retirement of Roy and acquisition of scoring guard Crawford. His addition to the starting lineup relegated Wesley Matthews to the role of super-sub.

Odom is the first player since Detlef Schrempf in the 1990-91 and 1991-92 seasons to win consecutive Sixth Man of the Year awards. Kevin McHale also accomplished the feat in the 1983-84 and 1984-85 seasons.

Most Improved Player: Joakim Noah

Average Points

Average Rebounds

Average Assists

Average Blocks

Average Steals

12.2

12.3

2.3

1.6

1.3

Noah saw improvements in points, rebounds, blocks, steals and assists as he anchored the NBA's best defense. He is the first Chicago Bulls player in franchise history to be a recipient of the Most Improved Player award.

Coach of the Year: Nate McMillan

Team Record

Points For

Points Against

Avg. Margin of Victory

Win Increase

56-26

110.7

103.4

7.3

+8

McMillan received his first Coach of the Year award. He guided the Portland Trailblazers to a Western Conference-best 56 wins, an eight-win improvement over the team's 48-34 mark in the 2010-11 season.